SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Union wants industrial manslaughter law

The CFMEU has renewed calls for an industrial manslaughter charge in Queensland after two workers were crushed to death at Brisbane's Eagle Farm.

1 min read

Published

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

A powerful union has renewed its calls for an industrial manslaughter charge in Queensland following the deaths of two workers at Brisbane's Eagle Farm racecourse.

Ashley Morris, 34, and a 55-year-old colleague were killed instantly when a nine-tonne concrete slab fell on them in a pit at the track's infield.

Angry relatives are demanding answers, while the Brisbane Racing Club has described the incident as one of the saddest in its 150-year history.

Workers who saw their two colleagues killed have been offered counselling as police and workplace inspectors try to work out what went wrong.

The CFMEU's work, health and safety co-ordinator, Andrew Ramsay, says it's time Queensland had the power to lay industrial manslaughter charges.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

He says the current fine system doesn't go far enough.

"The union has been pushing for it for years ... we have pursued it with government after government," he told AAP.

Racing Minister Grace Grace said the deaths were heartbreaking but she had full faith in police and Workplace, Health and Safety officers investigating the matter and expected a report quickly.


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world